Lions Win Last Dual Meet for Seven Swimming & Diving Seniors

By Chelsea Howard, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff WriterUNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Family, friends, fans, and alumni filled the stands
of McCoy Natatorium this past Saturday as seven swimmers and diverssaw their last competition in their home pool against
Towson on senior day.

Both the swimming and diving teams defeated Towson with final scores of 186-109
on the women's side and 186-101 for the men. However, the score was not the
focus of the meet as much as honoring the seniors who have dedicated their last
four years to bettering the program.

"Today was about the seniors being able to reflect back on their past four
years," head coach John Hargis said. "We
see them now as seniors and remember them as freshman and we think about the
entire process they've been through. These guys are leaving with the program in
unbelievable shape and it's because of people like them. That's what this meet
was about and letting those guys race again in McCoy for the last time."

When the seniors made a commitment to be a part of Penn State's program,
they knew the direction and goals of the program were changing. Each one of
them brought something new to the program and grew into leadership roles that
would impact the team for years to come.

"They've had a tremendous impact," Hargis said. "The leadership they've brought
to the program to all aspects across the board have meant so much to the
program as a whole. Every class is different with the character traits they bring
and there's so many positives you can take from every single class that help
develop the program. What these guys have brought is phenomenal and will be
truly missed."

The leadership that this class brings everyday has contributed to the
success that the team has seen throughout the year. Along with guiding the
team, the seniors have provided a positive example for the other swimmers and
divers to follow for next season.

"What they've taught the young people is going to continue to move this
program forward and that's what you want out of these classes," Hargis said.
"They're going to be missed in so many ways and remembered for what they've
done for Penn State. They're always going to be a part of Penn State. The only
thing that will change is that they won't always be student-athletes."

When sophomore Katelyn Miller came to campus for the first time, these
seniors were among the upperclassmen that helped her find her way in a new
environment.

"They're all positive role models, extremely hard workers, and they want to
help the whole team out," Miller said. "During my freshman year, they were the
one's there to help us through the first few months and continued to be there
the next two years."

One of the aspects of the annual senior meet that makes it so special is
the traditions that are passed down each year. The underclassmen decorate the
locker room and make signs for each senior. Before the meet all of the swimmers
and divers make a human tunnel for the seniors to walk through with their
parents. At the end of the tunnel they receive flowers and a blanket.

"Today has definitely been overwhelming," Amy Modglin said. "When you're a
freshman, sophomore, or junior it's sometimes annoying because you have to do
so much to prepare for this meet, but once you're a senior you're so
appreciative. It's worth doing the traditions for the seniors the other three
years. It means so much to have the girls do all of this for you."

Transitioning from watching the traditions to actually being a part of
them, Alex Marchinski enjoyed participating in them as a senior.

"It's definitely different having the traditions be for you," Marchinski
said. "I never thought I'd reach that
point and knowing how hard I worked to get to this point makes it nice to be
recognized for the work I've put in."

For captain Paige Whitmire, experiencing senior day from the other side
still does not seem real to her.

"It hasn't hit me yet that it's me as a senior," Whitmire said. "You go
along wondering if I'm ever going to get to that point or if I'm ever going to
make it to the end. It felt so good to be recognized, but I was sad. I tried to
make the most of the situation rather than getting upset, but it feels good to know
that it's finally me."

As a sophomore, Meredith Harbison saw this day as motivation for what's to
come at the end of her career.

"It was sad to watch," Harbison said. "It's so hard while you're going
through the practices but you see what they have done and what they have
accomplished and it motivates me to keep pushing through. All of these seniors
have led by example and we've really gotten to know them through their
leadership."

With a short break from competition, the next time the Nittany Lions dive
off the blocks will be in Minneapolis, Minn. for the women and Bloomington,
Ind. for the men at Big Tens where the seniors will participate in their last
championship season.